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LOT 0609
Huge Roman Bronze Buckle-Shaped Fitting
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (471 grams, 11.3 cm).
With rectangular loop and two bulbs flanking the rest for the tongue; robust hinged tongue integral with the hinge, terminating in a palmette; hollow to the underside.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, item AA12.7, for type.
FootnotesThe buckle is too large and heavy for normal use; it was probably created for an oversized statue of an emperor.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bone Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Each with ring-and-dot spots arranged: 1:6; 2:5; 3:4; 1:6; 2:5; 3:4. 8.85 grams total, 13-14 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Marble Head of Dionysus
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
A Roman copy of a Greek original, wearing a crown of leaves and corymbs, hair falling in straight lines underneath the diadem; full beard composed of four rows of thick tufts with drilled holes; slightly open mouth with a fleshy lower lip; low cheekbones and hollow cheeks; large almond-shaped eyes with lachrymal duct; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 15.8 kg total, 48 cm high including stand
Ex private French collection, early 1960s. Acquired by the current owner in 2011. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.129940. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11791-206395
The head finds comparable parallels with a series of herms representing philosophers, lyricists and the god Hermes, deriving from Greek originals of the 5th century B.C. The reworking of these typologies in a cultured environment is due to the diffusion of sculptures linked to the idea of speculative otium and withdrawal into the bucolic world of which Dionysus was guardian and protector. The typology of the representation associates him with the concept of continuous rebirth and fertility of nature, typical of Dionysus Lenaeus. -
Roman to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1st-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Composed of a variety of ring types and sizes from various time periods, including examples with decorative bezels. 86 grams total, 14-24 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
